Bridge Authority avoids traffic nightmare

Traffic appeared to move with relative ease across the Mackinac Bridge Monday afternoon immediately after it reopened to vehicles following the annual Labor Day bridge walk.

The five-mile span had been closed to vehicles for the first time ever during the event. The closure began around 6:30 a.m. and ended shortly after noon. The Mackinac Bridge Authority cited safety and security recommendations from the Michigan State Police and U.S. Department of Homeland Security as its main reasons for making the controversial decision.

At exit 338 on northbound U.S. 23 in Mackinaw City, police directed traffic in front of a barricade blocking access to I-75. A line of drivers waited patiently until about 12:30 p.m. when the barricade was removed and cars were allowed to pass. Some reports indicated that traffic had been backed up at least a few miles on I-75 south of Mackinaw City.

Meanwhile in St. Ignace, cars were backed up on southbound I-75 up to exit 344, which accesses U.S. 2.

Bridge Authority officials spent much of the last few weeks warning motorists to avoid the bridge Monday morning if possible. They also tried to accommodate travelers who may become stuck by placing portable bathrooms, snack stations, and even mechanics along U.S. 2 for several miles west of the bridge and along I-75 north and south of the bridge.

The Bridge Authority says typically about 9,500 vehicles would cross the bridge Labor Day morning with around half of them shuttling friends and family members participating in the walk.

The walk had been averaging between 30,000 and 60,000 participants in recent years. The event was first held in 1958.

However, the Associated Press reported only about 25,000 people took part this year.

The event began at 6:40 a.m. with the start of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Jog, followed by a greeting from Gov. Rick Snyder at 6:55 a.m.